On the surface, the AR-30A1 bears a family resemblance to its predecessor, the AR-30. But, the AR-30A1 actually shares few components from the AR-30: grip, buttpad, trigger, and a few small parts. All other components are new and/or improved. Armalite claims that the new AR30-A1 has better ergonomics, versatility, reliability, and ease of use.

Features of all versions of the new AR-30A1:

• Muzzle brake threads are suppressor industry standard (5/8 x 24 for the 300 WM and 3/4 x 24 for the 338 LM). Many suppressors can be attached without an adaptor.
• The bolt-mounted safety mechanism locks the firing pin to the rear. This design is stronger and more secure than a sear- or trigger-blocking safety.
• Cheek-piece supports contain integral cleaning rod guides to prevent bore damage.
• Multiple sling installation locations allow simultaneous use of a sling and a bipod. Rear sling swivel can be moved to either left or right side.
• The entire buttstock assembly can be quickly and easily removed with only one allen wrench. Standard and target buttstocks are interchangeable on any receiver.
• Steel single-stack magazines. Ambidextrous magazine release.

Features specific to the AR-30A1 Target version:

• Target rifles feature 18″-long, +20-MOA Picatinny rail over the receiver and barrel, plus rails on both sides of the forearm.
• The buttstock can be adjusted without tools for lengths of pull from 13.6″ to 15.6″. Buttpad adjusts for height and cheek-piece offers 1″ of vertical adjustment.